Mission Ready: USU Celebrates Academic Excellence, Shapes Future Military Medical Leaders

Spring 2025 at the Uniformed Services University was marked by ceremonies honoring the dedication of its graduates, the impact of its researchers and the inspiring commitment of its newest medical officers.

Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Sean Simmons, a USU alumnus and decorated officer with a distinguished

career spanning surface warfare, Army Special Forces and family medicine, served as a featured

speaker for the Class of 2028 USU White Coat Ceremony. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

May 14, 2025 by Zachary Willis

Spring 2025 has been a season of celebration, recognition, and transition at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). From welcoming the next generation of military medical leaders to patient care to honoring the exceptional achievements of graduating students, USU marked a series of milestone events that reflect its mission to advance the health and readiness of our nation’s Armed Forces. Among the highlights were the deeply symbolic White Coat Ceremony for first-year medical students, the School of Medicine graduate education awards, and the School of Medicine M.D. class of 2025 graduation awards.

Welcome to the Profession of Medicine

The cherished tradition of the White Coat Ceremony on May 2, 2025, marked the formal induction of the School of Medicine’s class of 2028 into patient care. This event signifies their entry into the demanding profession of medicine, imbued with the unique responsibilities of a military medical officer.

The class of 2028 brings a formidable range of experiences. The cohort includes 24 students with master's degrees, two with PhDs and nine Division I athletes. Crucially, a significant number possess prior military service – including pilots, nuclear reactor engineers, corpsmen, medics and special operations personnel – bringing invaluable operational perspectives to their medical education experiences.

At USU, the White Coat Ceremony is particularly resonant. Students are already commissioned

officers, and this event formally bestows the mantle of the physician upon individuals already

committed to service. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour)

Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) Sean Simmons, a USU alumnus and decorated officer with a distinguished career spanning surface warfare, Army Special Forces and family medicine, served as a featured speaker. His journey exemplified the ethos of the warrior-healer. He advised the new students, “USU, and your residency, will ensure that you are competent practitioners of medicine. To be an exceptional physician, all that you must do is remember: every patient in front of you has something unique and worthy of respect and dignity. Fight hard to preserve that soul’s dignity, just as you labor to preserve, restore and protect their physical health.”

USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson also addressed the class, powerfully articulating the meaning of their chosen path: “Today is not just about receiving a white coat. It’s about embracing a profound identity; a dual commitment that sets you apart as future leaders in military medicine.” He emphasized that the white coat "represents the trust that your patients will place in you, the hope they will carry in your care and the dedication you will pledge to alleviate suffering and promote healing,” often in the most challenging environments.

At USU, the White Coat Ceremony is particularly resonant. Students are already commissioned officers, and this event formally bestows the mantle of the physician upon individuals already committed to service. It reinforces USU’s core mission: "Learning to Care for Those in Harm's Way," layering the responsibilities of a healer onto the duties of an officer.

The Graduate Education Awards ceremony celebrated numerous student achievements vital

to the military medical enterprise, including 12 Graduate Student Research Awards and three

Postdoctoral Awards, each with a monetary prize to support their critical research. (Photo credit:

Tom Balfour, USU)

Graduate Education Program Lauds Scholars and a Foundational Leader

USU’s commitment to advanced education and scientific excellence was on full display on May 7, 2025, during the Graduate Education Awards ceremony. This event honored the critical contributions of 511 graduate students—about two-thirds of whom serve as uniformed officers—alongside more than 30 postdoctoral fellows. Their research and specialized expertise play an essential role in solving complex health challenges impacting both the military and the nation.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Douglas Robb, medical chair at the National Defense University and a clinical professor at USU, delivered compelling remarks as the guest speaker for the event.  He underscored the strategic importance of USU's graduates, stating, “USU is like the who’s who of the federal government… Our students – our master’s and our Ph.D. students, and our graduates – you are the lifeblood of this university… You’re woven into the fabric of this university…of the military…and of America when you graduate. It’s all from this campus right here.”

The ceremony celebrated numerous student achievements vital to the military medical enterprise, including 12 Graduate Student Research Awards and three Postdoctoral Awards, each with a monetary prize to support their critical research. Recognition extended to extramural awards, successful completion of demanding events such as the Norwegian foot march and strong performances in national academic competitions, all reflecting the caliber and dedication of USU's scholars.

A distinct honor was paid to Dr. Saibal Dey, who is concluding his impactful tenure as associate dean for Graduate Education this summer. Dey was awarded USU’s Exceptional Service Medal, and a brick was placed in the USU courtyard in his honor, recognizing his foundational role in strengthening the university's graduate programs.

School of Medicine Dean Dr. Eric Elster commended Dey’s profound influence: “Dr. Dey’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, student mentorship and educational innovation embodies the highest ideals of the Uniformed Services University.”

Dr. Cara Olsen, assistant dean for Graduate Education, further detailed Dey's significant contributions since 1999. She highlighted his efforts in revolutionizing the medical curriculum, his high-impact publications that advanced scientific knowledge and his steadfast leadership in expanding graduate student opportunities and establishing crucial fellowships. "The GEO [Graduate Education Office], under his steady hand, has become a robust support system preparing our students to excel as future leaders in behavioral and biomedical sciences and public health," Olsen remarked, acknowledging his role in building a pipeline of future scientific leaders for the services.

The USU School of Medicine's Class of 2025 Graduation Awards ceremony presented more than

60 awards. (Photo Credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

Honoring Excellence and Dedication: School of Medicine Class of 2025 Graduation Awards

On May 8, 2025, the USU School of Medicine held its M.D. Class of 2025 Graduation Awards ceremony. This ceremony recognized the exceptional achievements of medical students across a wide range of academic, clinical, and leadership domains. More than 60 awards were presented, including honors from the University’s Board of Regents, the military Services, national specialty societies, and outstanding faculty recognitions. In addition, students were inducted into prestigious honor societies such as Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and more than 70 students were acknowledged by the School of Medicine Admissions Committee for their contributions during the admissions process. 

These spring 2025 ceremonies collectively reaffirmed USU's vital role in the Military Health System. By celebrating academic rigor, impactful research and the profound commitment of its students, USU continues to cultivate the next generation of medical professionals ready to lead and serve with distinction across the uniformed services.